March 13,
2010 – Dean Shoemaker is the new executive director of Flowers Canada
(Ontario). He takes over from Dr. Irwin Smith, who is retiring in
mid-April
after having led the association since February 1999.
March 12,
2010 – Dean Shoemaker (at left) is the new executive director of Flowers Canada
(Ontario) . He takes over from Dr. Irwin Smith, who is retiring in mid-April
after having led the association since February 1999.
FCO
president Andrew Kuyvenhoven says a great deal of thanks is owed Dr. Smith for
his role in advancing the profile of the greenhouse floriculture industry.
“Irwin has accomplished many strategic partnerships and has brought in millions
of dollars in project and research funding,” said Kuyvenhoven. Smith also
effectively managed staff, and most importantly, “he has clearly understood our
industry needs with hundreds, if not thousands, of greenhouse visits and
meetings to his credit.”
For his
part, Shoemaker has worked closely with the FCO and Flowers Canada Growers
staff for over five years. He has a strong business and agricultural
background.
Shoemaker
became the marketing director in charge of the pickOntario project in September
of last year. Prior to that, he served as the marketing coordinator for
pickOntario. His other FCO responsibilities have included business development,
proposal writing and project management.
Previously,
he worked with Thiessen’s Greenhouses as president of GrowerFlowers.com. From
2002-06, he volunteered as treasurer on the FCO board.
“I am very
excited to serve our community of floriculture growers and I look forward to
building on Irwin’s many successes,” said Shoemaker.
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